Mining machine



March 13, 1928.

1,662,788 P. HOLMES MINING MA'CHIINE Original Filed June 18, 1921 4 Sheets-Sheet l g; & 1w?- 3 3 3 00 N 0 L s 00 3 O WO'O $4 SD :3 L

March 13, 1928. 1,662,788

P. HOLMES MINING MACHINE OriginalFiled June 18, 1921 4.Shee csSheet' 2 jiiorrisill March 13, 1928. M. P. HOLMES MINING MACHINE Original Filed June 18, 1921 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 A; m I

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March 13, 1928. 1,662,788

M. P. HOLMES MINING MACHINE Original le June 1921 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 V58 4% 1 3L910, WHQ. /57. I 70\ Y/lorr I51 7n 9 Patented Mar. 13, 1928.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

MORRIS I. HOLMES, F oLAEEMoivr, NEw HAMrsHInE, Assicivon TO SULLIVAN MACHINERY COMPANY, A CORPORATION or MASSACHUSETTS.

MINING MACHINE.

Application filed June 18, 1921, Serial No. 478,473. RenewedMay 11, 1927.

- actuating mechanism, said devices being of such a character as to permit of convenient operation and being self-retaining in all of' their positions of adjustment. A further object of the invention is to provide improved means whereby a mining machine feed actuating mechanism may be employed to propel the truck on which the. machine is transported from place to place, said means being easily and'quickly engageable with or disengageable from the cooperating devices on the truck when the machine is loaded or unloaded, and including no parts on the machine which are idle when the machine is performing its cutting operation, or which project from the outline of said machine and tend to impede such operation. A still further object of the invention is to provide improved means for guiding the flexible feeding member employed in connection with mining machines of certain types,

whereby the parts are rendered more compact and convenient of operation, and

whereby the range of adaptability of the machine and of the feeding mechanism thereof is increased.

The foregoing and other objects of the invention, together with means whereby the same may be carried into effect, will best be understood from the following description of one form or embodiment thereof illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which,

1 is a side elevation, partially broken away, of the complete machine and the truck upon which it is mounted.

Fig. 2 is a plan view thereof.

Fig. 3 is a slightly enlargedrear elevation of the machine removed from the truck. Fig i is a further enlarged vertical section of the rear end of the machine, taken substantially on the line 44L of Fig.8, car

tain parts being mitted in order to facilitate the illustratio Fig. 5 is a section partially in elevation taken substantially on the lines 55 of Figs. 3 and 6', showing the controlling devices for the friction clutches.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary elevation of an upper portion of the rear of the machine, showing the operating handle for the friction clutch controlling device.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged plan view of the rear end of the machine.

.Fig. 8 is a further enlarged fragmentary elevation of one of the lower rear corners of the machine, showing one ofthe movable guide members.

Figs. 9 and 10 are diagrammatic views illustrating the operation of the machine in room and pillar work.

Figs. 11 and 12 are diagrammatic plan views of the apparatus in use as a longwall machine.

Figs. 13 and 1 1 are rear elevations illustrating the arrangement of the flexible feeding member during the operations of the machine illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10 respectively. l

The mining machine is shown in Figs. 1 and 2 as mounted on a truck comprising a body 20 mounted on wheels 21 adapted to run on a suitable track 22. The axles 23 of the wheels 21 are provided with sprockets I 24: which are connected by drive chains 25, one of said axles being provided with addi tional sprockets 26 connected by chains 27' with sprockets 28 on a propelling shaft 29 extending transversely of the truck body and journaled in uprights or brackets 30 bolted or otherwise secured thereto. The shaft 29 is provided intermediate its ends With a bevel gear 31 which meshes with a bevel pinion 32 journaled in a transverse truck frame member 33, said pinion 32 having means, hereinafter described, for operatively connecting the same with a moving part of the mining machine when the latter is loaded, whereby said pinion may be rotated and, through the connections above described, operate to propel the truck.

The mining machine proper shown herein is of the general type disclosed and claimed my application for Letters Patent filed December 26, 1919, Serial Nh 347,571. This machine comprises a casing 3st having at its forward end a head in which is mounted to swing about a vertically disposed pivot 36 a cutter bar 37 provided with a cutter chain 38. Herein, the cutter bar is adapted to be adjusted about the axis of the pivot 36 into the longitudinal position shown or into,

scribed) at the end of the machine and cooperates with a rotary feed operating member herein shown as located at the rear end ofthe machine and disposed with f its axis horizontah in my prior application for Letters Patentliled June 5 1919, Serial No. 301,91?. As in my application Serial No. 347,571, above referred to, the machine is hereinshown as provided with an auxiliary rotary guide member 129 carried by a detachable bracket ll. secured to the head 35 by means of a suitable bolt which may be engaged with any of the openings 40 in said head, thereby permitting attachment of said bracket to. said head at either side of the latter.

The cutter chain 88 is actuated, throu h the usual connections under the control 0 a clutch lever 43, by an electric or other motor M having a driving pinion l7 for the cutting mechanism and the usual controller 44, said motor also supplying the power for actuating the feed operating member 42. In accordance with the present invention, reversible variable speed transmission mechaism is interposed between said motor and feed 0 crating member. said mechanism being adapted to rotate said member at either of two speeds in one direction or at either .of two speeds in the opposite direction','the

driving speeds in one direction being relatively higher than those in the opposite'dircction. To these ends, as herein shown, the following construction is provided.

Referring to Fig. 4-. the motor shaft has, keyed thereon a sleeve 46 journaled in an antifriction bearing 46 in the machine frame and provided. at its end with a pref erably integral pinion 4-7 which meshes with coaxially disposed external and internal gears48 and 49, respectively. thereby driving said gears in opposite directions and at different speeds. The gear 18 is rotatably mounted on a main transmission shaft 50 journaled adj acent one end in a suitably disposed frame member 51 and at its opposite end in a sleeve 52 to which the feed operating member 42 is keyed, said sleeve and member being rotatably mounted in antifriction bearings and 54-. carried by the end of the casing 34. The internal gear 49 is provided with a hub 55 which is rotatably oppositely disposed, multiple-disc friction clutches 57 and 58, respectively, said clutches having a-common centrally disposed pressure member 59 connected with said shaft for rotation therewith by means of a transverse pin 60. The shaft 50 is hollow, and the pin 60 passes through longitudinally disposed slots 61 therein and engages a transverse aperture in a rod 62 guided for longitudinal movement in said shaft and by which the pressure member 59 may be operated to cause either of the gears 48 or 49 to be operatively connected with the shaft 50 through the corresponding clutch 57 or 58. The rod62extends coaxially through the sleeve-'52 and feed operating member LZ'to the outer side of the latter and is operated by a hand wheel 63 having attached thereto, as by screws 64; a sleeve 65 in threaded engagement with the outer end 66 of the sleeve 52. The feed operating member 42 is formed with an axial counterbore or recess to receive the sleeve 65 between which and the wallsof said recessis referablv. inter osed a'bushin 67 also in P P h cured to the end of said red by a nut 72,.

whereby said rod and hand wheel are connected for axial or longitudinal movement in unison while permitting free rotation thereof. i

From the foregoing it will. be seen that rotation ofthe hand wheel 63 in one direction or the other, and consequent turning of the sleeve 65 on the threaded end. of the sleeve 52, will result in a longitudinal move ment of the rod 62 inwardly or outwardly in accordance with the direction of rotation of said hand Wheel. Inward movement of the rod 62 will result in the operative engagement of the clutch 57 to connect the relatively small external gear 8 with the shaft 50, thereby causing said shaft to be driven from the pinion 4-7 at a relatively hand wheel 63, the clutches 57 and 58 may be engaged with any desired degree of pres sure which, due to the threaded engagement of the sleeve with the sleeve 52, will be at one end in the frame member 51 and hav-- ing keyed to its opposite end a hub 74 mounted in an antifriction bearing 75 carried by the end of the casing 84. The countershaft 73 is disposed parallel to the main transmission shaft 50 abovethe same and with its axis in substantially the same vertical plane withthe axis of said shaft. 50.

The hub 74 carries a preferably integral pinion 7 6 whichmeshes with a gear 77' so cured, as by cap screws 78,'to a flange 79 on the sleeve 52, whereby the feed operating member 42, which is keyed to said sleeve, is driven from the'countershaft 73 which, in turn, may be driven at relatively high or relatively low, speed through alternatively operative c'on'nections with the shaft 50. As shown, said connections comprise apinion 80 fast on the shaft 50 and meshing with a gear 81 keyed to a hub 82 rotatably mounted on the countershaft 73. The gear 81 is adapted for connection, through a multiple-disc friction clutch 83, with a hub S t keyed to the shaft 73, whereby, wien said clutch is engaged, said countershaft 73 will be driven from the shaft 50 through the pinion 80 and gear 81 at a relatively high speed. The hub 82 carries a preferably integral pinion 85 which meshes with a gear 86 secured, as by cap screws 87, to a hub 88 rotatably'mounted on the shaft 50. The hub 88 is formed with clutch teeth to engage cooperating clutch teeth on a second hub 89 also rotatably mounted on the shaft 50 and carrying a preferably integral pinion 90. The pinion 90 meshes with a gear 91 adapted for connection, through a multiple-disc friction clutch 92, with a hub 93 keyed to the counter-shaft 73 whereby, when said clutch is engaged, said countershaft will be driven from. the shaft 50, through the gears 80, 81,85, '86,

90 and 91, at a relatively low speed.

It will be observed that the transmission mechanism above described, while permittin a wide range of variable speed control, is of extremely compact arrangement, periiii'tting the longitudinal dimensions of the machine to be materially shortened: an important consideration in machines of this type V whose'availability for use in .many places is limited by their size. It will also be noted that the axis of rotation of all of the moving parts of the mechanism lie in the same substantially vertical plane, thereby reducing the space, laterally of the casing, required for their accommodation therein, and permitting the positioning at the sides of the transmission mechanism, of the various electrical apparatus employed in machines of this character and the placing of which,

without increasing the overall dimensions of the machine,has heretofore presented a difiicult problem.

The clutches 88 and 92, in addition to con trolling the speed of rotation of the feed operating member 42 with respect to the shaft 50, serve as yielding transmission elements whereby the power transmitted to said feed operating-member may be limited in order to prevent excessive strain upon the mechanism in the event of abnormal resistance'to the machine, as when an unusually hard spot or other obstruction is unexpectedly encountered. To this end said clutches are engaged by springs 94' interposed between the hub; 84: and 93' and collars 95 and 96 slidably mounted on said hubs respectively, said collars having annular grooves which are engaged by the outer ends of pressure levers 9'7 pivoted at 98 to the respective hubs and engaging the clutch discs. Each of the springs 94* abuts at oneend against a plug or bushing 99 in threaded engagement with thecorresponding hub 8 1 or.

98, whereby the clutch engaging pressure exerted by said springs through the lovers v97may be adjusted.

In order to render the clutches 83a11d 92 alternatively operative for the purposej of causing the feed operating member 422 to be driven from the shaft 50 at high or low speed, as above explained, the following mechanism is provided. The ends of the sleeves95 and 96 are engaged by rollers 100 (see Fig. 5) carried bybifurcated arms of bell crank levers 101 and 102, respectively, pivoted at 103 to suitably disposed cars 10% formed on the casing 34, said levers being adapted to force said sleeves inwardly in opposition to the springs 94: to release the respective clutches. The levers 101 and 102 are herein also provided at their ends oppo site the rollers 100 with rollers 105 which cooperate with cam lugs or projections 108 and 107 formed on a sliding cam bar 108 guided for' longitudinal increment in suit able guidesformed on the casing 3aand in the ears'l0l thereof. The cam lug 10 5 and 107 are so located on the cam bar 108 that, when said cam bar is moved into the longitudinal position shown in the lug 10'? will operate the lever 1'02 to force the sleeve 96 inwardly and release the clutch 92,.

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lugs 106 and 107 are formed with longitudi- Cir nally disposed surfaces 109 which are engaged by the rollers when the latter are forced by said lugs into their clutch releasing positions in. opposition to the springs 9 1, the reaction of said rollers against said surfaces having no tendency to move the cam bar 108, which is therefore self-ret ained in adjusted position. For positively operating said cam bar in order to adjust the mechanism, said bar is provided, outside the casing 34, with an o iicrating handle 110. Although, as above explained, the bar 108 is self-retained in adjusted position, said handle 110 may, if desired, be pivotally mount-- ed upon the end of said her and provided with lugs 111 adapted when saidhan'dle is turned into one angular position to pass through slots or notches 112 inthe casing 34, and when said handle is turned into an other angular position to engage the inner or outer sides of said casing, depending upon the longitudinal position of the cam bar, thereby locking said cam bar in such position against longitudinal movement to shift the clutches.

The pinion 32 (Figs. 1 and 2) for actuating the truck propellingshaft 29 is connected by a universal joint 113 with a coupling member 11 1 adapted, when the mining machine is loaded upon the truck, to be operatively connected with a moying part of the feed actuating mechanism in order that the power foroperating the truck propelling mechanism may be supplied by the motor of the machine. To this end, said coupling member 11 1 and the hub 74 which, above explained, constitutes one of the elements of the actuating mechanism for the feed operating member 12, are formed with or as cooperating clutch elements or members. In the construction shown, the outer end of the hub 7 1 is formed with a square socket 115 (Figs. 3, a, and 6) adapted to receive the iquared end of the coupling member 11 1.

Said socket 115 is located entirely within the outline of the machine casing 31, altl lough readily accessible from the exterior thereof for purposes of engagement by the coupling member 114:, so as to afford no projecting parts which mignt be in the way when the machine is performing its cutting operation. It will be seen that, by arranging, the transmission element'i'l for connect-ion with the truck ropelling mechanism, not only the special gearing or other connecting mechanism, usually employed for this. purpose (which gearing or other mechanism is preferably idle during the cutting operation) eliminated, thereby simplifying the construction, but, since the hub 7 4 is an element of the regular transmission mechasite sides thereof respectively. The flexible feeding member is herein shown as a chain 118 and the feed operatinguand guide memhers as s arockets adapted to cooperate therewith. his chain 118 passes about the feed operating member or sprocket l2, ahoutone or the other of the guide members or sprockets 116 or 117 according to the direction of movement of the machine, as hereinafter'ex plained, and alsoabout one or the other of a plurality of guide members or sprockets 119 and 120 arranged respectively below the guide members or sprockets 117 -or' 116, the axes of rotation of said sprockets 119 and 120 being vertically disposed. The rear end of said machine is further provided with an auxiliary rotary guide member or spocket 121 disposed upon an axis transverse to the horizontal longitudinal axes of the guide members or sprockets 116 and 117 and in clined to the vertical axes of the guide members or sprockets 119 and 120, said guide member 121, as herein shown, being journaled in a bracket 122 secured to the rear end of the casing 34 between the feed operating member 42 and the guide member 117. The auxiliary guide member 121 maybe conveniently employed for the purpose o'l loading'the machine upon the truck, the flexible feeding member 118 being at that time passed about the vertical guide member 119, thence about the feed operating member 42. thence about the guide members 116 and 117, and finally about the auxiliary guide mem her 121 from which it may he led. to the usual chain fork 121" or other suitable fixed abutment upon the truck body 20.

The vertical guide members or sprockets 119. and 120, which are disposed at the lower rear corners of: the casing 34., are ar ranged to he received and housed in recesses 123 formed in said casing at these points. These members, in the construction shown. are mounted upon studs 124: (see particularly casing 34, whereby said guide members may be swung outwardly into the position shown inFig. 8 and in full lines at the right in Fig. 7, or may be swung inwardly into the recesses 128 as shown in Fig. 3 and in full lines at the left in Fig. 7. said members in the recesses 123 are fixed by stop lugs 128 projecting into said recesses and adapted to engage the arms 125 when the latter are swung inwardly.

It will be observed by reference to Fi 7 that, by reason of the horizontal disposition of the axes of the feed operating member 4.2 and guide members 116 and 117, the portions or surfaces of these members which receive the flexible feeding member may be disposed substantially in or be intersected by a common vertical plane lying relatively close to the rear end of the machine and indicated by the broken line A in Fig. 7, thereby providing an extremely compact arrangement. The axes of the members 119 and 120 being vertical, or transverse to the axes of the members e2, 116 and 117', it is desirable, in order to prevent cramping or binding of the flexible feeding member, that the peripheral guide portions or surfaces of said members 119 and 120 be substantially tangential to the vertical plane above referred to. a The housing of said members 119 and 120 in the recesses 123 permits said members to be tangential to said plane at the inner side thereof, notwithstanding the proximity of said plane to the rear end of the machine, while the movable mounting of said members permits them to be swung outwardly into positions tangential to said plane at the outer side thereof. the portion of the flexible feeding member 118 extending between the feed operating member 42 and either of the guide members 119 and 120 may lie in the same vertical plane as the portion of said member between the feed operating member and the gulde members 116 and 117 (see also Fig. 8) and may engage said guide members 119 and 120 either externally or internally depending upon the requirements imposed by the di reetion of pull or re-ac-tion of said flexible member upon the machine, as will hereinafter be apparent. t

In room and pillar work, the cutter bar 37 is swung into its longitudinal position, as shown in Figs. 9 and 10, and is locked in such position by the locking pin 89. The machine is then preferably sumped longltudinally into the face in a well known manner by extending the flexible feeding member longitudinally of the machine between the same and the adjacent rib to a suit-,

able anchor adjacent the face, i. e. as indi- The positions ofv It will therefore be seen that,

cated in dotted lines in Fig. 9 and 10, and then operating the feed operating member 42 to draw in that portion. In order to out toward the left, as shown in Fig. 9, the flexible feeding-member 118 is anchored at its forward end at the left end of they mine face, passes about the guide member 129. carried by the bracket ell, which at this time is secured to the left side of the member passing from said guide member 129 longitudinally of the machine at the left side thereof, thence about the outer side of the guide member 120, which at this time is housed in its recess 123, thence v(see Fig. 18) about the feed operating member &2, about the guide member 117, which serves to hold said flexible feeding member in engagement with said feed operating member, and then under the member 116 to the right hand rib in a usual manner. In order to out toward the right, as shown in Fig. 10, 1 the flexible feeding member will be oppositely arranged, as shown in said figure and in Fig. 1 1, and as will be clear without further explanation.

.The use of the machine in longwall cut-' ting is illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12. For this purpose the cutter bar 37 is swung into a position transverse to the machine at one side or the other thereof in accordance with the direction of cut, as will be familiar to those skilled in'the art, an abutment 130 herein being carried by the cutter bar and adapted tohave' the flexible feeding mem-i ber connected thereto in such manner that when the flexible member is drawn in by feeding member 118 is anchored at its right end, passes about the inner side of the guide member 119, which at this time is swung outwardly, thence about the feed operating member 42, and finally about the guide member 116, as shown in Fig. let, itbeing understood that during such cutting the slack portion of'the chain may if desired be laid over the guide member 117 with its free end trailing at the side of the machine as shown in Fig.11. In cutting toward the left as shown in Fig. 12, the flexible feeding mem ber 118 will be oppositely disposed, as will be clear without further explanation.

It will thus be seen that; by reason of the horizontal longitudinal arrangement of the feed operating member 42 and guide members 116 and 117, the flexible feeding member 118 can be readily engaged therewith or disengaged therefrom and re-engaged in a different manner, as illustrated in Figs. 13 and 1 1. It will also be seen that, by reason of the movable mounting of saidguide members 119 and 120, said members may be readily so disposed as to permit the engagement of the flexible feeding member therewith either externally thereof, as shown in Figs. ,9 and 10, or internally thereof as in case of the members 119 and 120 in Figs. 11 and 12, respectively, depending upon the hearing or reaction of the flexible feedingmember upon said guise members, thereby facilitating the adaptation of the machine to either longwall or room and pillar work. It will further be seen that the feed operating member and the several guide members are, in each case supported at one side or end only, the opposite side being unobstructed, so that, in arranging the flexible feedingmember, it may be passed freely across the axes of the feed operating and guide membersand about the latter without threading it through the machine. These and other advantages of the invention will, however, be apparent to those skilled in the art without further explanation.

l/Vhile I have herein shown anddescribed in detail one form which the invention may assume in practice and several ways in Which it may be used, it will be understood that the particular constructions, arrangements and uses described and shown have been chosen forillustrative purposes merely, and that the invention may be otherwise embodied and practiced without departing from. its spirit or the scope of the claims hereunto appended.

What I claim as newand desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a mining machine, the combination with a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and rotatable upon an axis disposed longitudinally ofthe machine, of actuating means therefor including a motor, a lon itudinally disposed transmission shaft, variable speed transmission mechanism between said shaft and motor, and variable speed transmission mechanism between said shaft and said member.

-2. In a mining machine, the combination with a feed-operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and rotatable upon an axis disposed longitudinally of the machine, of actuating means-thereforincluding a motor, a trans mission shaft disposed coaxially with said member, variable speed transmission mechanism between said shaft and motor, and variable speed transmission 'mechanism between said shaft and member.

3. In a mining machine, the combination with cuttin mechanism including a cutter bar and feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feed ng means and r0- tatable upon an axis disposed longitudinally of the-machine and located on'the opposite end thereof from said bar, of actuating means for said member including a transmission shaft disposed coaxially therewith and rotatable with respect thereto, and means for driving said member from said shaft.

1 In a mining machine, the combination with aframe, cutting mechanism thereon including a cutter bar, and feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and journaled in said frame and disposed at the opposite end thereof from said bar with its axis longitudinal of said machine, of actuating means for said member including a longitudinal shaft journaled at oneend in said frame and at its opposite end in said member, and means for driving said member from said shaft. r

.5. In a mining machine, the combination with cutting mechanism includinga cutter bar and feeding mechanism including a feed operatin member adapted to co opera'te directly with flexible feeding means and rotatable on an axis disposed longitudinally of said machine and located at the opposite end thereof from sa-id bar, of mechanism for actuating said member comprising a main transmission shaft disposed longitudinally of said machine and a single countershaft disposed parallel to said transmission shaft and operatively connected therewith and with said member.

6. In a mining machine, the combination with a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible "feeding means and rotatable upon an axis disposed longitudinally of said machine and substantiallycoincident with "the longitudinal cen ter line of the latter, of mechanism for actuating said member comprising a longitudi nally disposed transmissionshaft, a single countershaft disposed parallel to said transmission shaft and operatively connected with said member, and variable speed gearing connecting said shafts.

7. In a. mining machine, the combination with a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of said machine, of mechanism foractuating the same comprising a main transmission shaft'and asingle countershaft operatively connected therewith and with said member, said main shaft and countershaft having their axes disposed substantially in a common longitudinal ver- 7 tical plane.

8. In a mining machine, the combination with a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly 'with flexible feeding means and rotatable on an axis disposed longitudinally of said machine, of Jechanism for actuating the same comprising a Ill) longitudinally extending motor shaft, a transmission shaft forming a continuation of said motor shaft and operatively connected with said member, and variable speed gearing connecting said shafts.

9. In a mining machine, the combination with a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and rotatable on an axis disposed longitudinally of said machine, of mechanism for actuating the same comprising a longi tudinally extending motor shaft, 21 transmission shaft forming a continuation of said motor shaft and operatively connected with said member, and reversing gearing connecting said shafts.

10. In a miningmachine, the combination with a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, ofmechanism for actuating the same comprising a longitudinally extending motor shaft, a transmission shaft forming a continuation of said motor shaft and operatively connected with said member, and variable speed reversing gearing connecting said shafts.

11. In a mining machine, the combination with a feed operating member rotatable upon an axis disposed longitudinally of said machine, of mechanism for actuating said' member comprising a motor shaft, a longitudinally disposed transmission shaft, variable speed gearing connecting said shafts, and variable speed transmission mechanism between said transmission shaft and member.

12. In a mining machine, the combination with a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and rotatable on an axis disposed longitudinally of said machine, of mechanism for actuating the same comprising alongitudinally extending motor shaft, a main transmission shaft forming a continuation of said motor shaft, variable speed gearing connecting said shafts, and a single countershaft disposed parallel to said transmission shaft and operatively connected therewith and with said member.

13. In a mining machine, the combination with a feed operating member, of mechanism for actuating the same comprising a motor shaftprovided with a pinion, a transmission shaft operatively connected with said member, and internal and external gears on said transmission shaft meshing with said pinion.

14. In a mining machine, the combination with a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and rotatable'on an axis extending longitudinally of the machine, of mechanism for actuating the same comprising a longitudinal motor shaft, a longitudinal transmission shaft, a plurality of transmission elements for operatively connecting said shafts carried thereon, and alternatively operative clutches for connecting said elements respectively to one of said shafts. I

15. In a mining machine, the combination with a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and rotatable on an axis disposed in a plane extending longitudinally of the machine, of mechanism for actuating the same comprising a motor shaft, a transmission shaft, variable speed gearing connecting said shafts, a countershaft operatively connected with said member, and variable speed gearing connecting said transmission shaft and countershaft.

16. In a mining machine, the combination with a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with a flexible feeding member in feeding said mining machine during cutting and rotatable on an axis disposed in a plane extending longitudinally of the machine, of mechanism for actuating the same con'iprising a main transmission shaft, a countershaft operatively connected with said member and extendinglongitudinally of the machine, a plurality of transmission elements for operatively connecting said main transmission shaft and countershaft, and alternatively operativefclutche's on said countershaft for connecting said elements respectively with one of said shafts. 17. In a mining machine, the combination with a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, of mechanism for actuating the same comprising a motor shaft, a transmission shaft, a plurality of transmission elements for operatively connecting said shafts, alternatively operative clutches for connecting said elements respectively with one of said shafts, a countershaft operatively connected with said feed operating member, a plurality of transmission elements for operatively connecting said transmission shaft and counter-shaft, and alternatively operative friction clutches for connecting said last named elements respectively with one of said last named shafts.

ments for operatively connecting said transmission shaft and countcrshaft, and alternatively operative friction clutches on said countershaft for connecting said elements respectively with one of said shafts.

19. In a mining machine, the combination the machine, of mechanism for actuating the same comprising a main transmission shaft, a countershaft operatively connected with said member and extending lognitudinally of the machine, and direct and speed reducing gearing operatively connecting said shafts, said speed reducing gearing includ ing a plurality of elements coaxial with each of said shafts.

20. The combination with a truck having propelling means, of a separable bottom-cut ting mining machine carried by said truck, saidmining machinehaving a feed operatin memberadapted .to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and rotatable on an axis lyingin a plane extending longitudinally of themachine and mechanism for actuating said feed operating member comprising a main transmission shaft, a countershaft connected with said member, and directland speed reducing gearing operativel connecting said shafts, saidgearing incluc ing an element for operating said truck propelling means.

21.- In a mining machine, in combination, a frame, a feed operating-member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for actuating said member comprising a main transmission shaft, a'countershaft, a member carried by said countershaft and journaled in said frame for directly operatively connecting said countershaft and member, and variable speed gearing connecting said transmission shaft and countershaft.

22. The combination with a truckhaving propellingmeans, of a mining machine carried by said truck, said mining machine having a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and mechanism for actuating the same comprising a main transmission shaft, a countcrshaft, a member carried by said 'countershaftand journaled in said frame for operating'said truck propelling means and for directly operatively connecting said countershaft with said operating member, and variable speed gearmg connecting said transmission shaft and countersha ft.

23. In a mlnmg machme, in combination,

a frame, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and journaled in said frame and disposed with its axis longitudinal of said m achine, and mechanism for actuating said feed operating member comprising a longitudinally disposed transmission shaft journa led at one end in'said frame and at its opposite end in said member, a countershaft, an element carried by said countershaft and journaled in said frame for operatively connectingsaid countershaft and said operat- ,neeaves said feed operating member, transmission elements thereon, alternatively operative clutches for connecting said elements and shaft, a rod longitudinally movable in said shaft for controlling said clutches, and a manually operable member for operatlng said rod. 7

:25. Ina mining machine, thecombination with :a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directl with flexible feeding means, 0fmechamsm for actuating the same including a shaft, transmission elements thereon, alternatively voperative clutches for connecting said elements and shaft, a rod movable longitudinally in said shaft for controlling said clutches, .a longitudinally fixed sleeve disposed coaxially with said shaft and rod, a manually operable member having threaded engagement with said sleeve, and an antlfriction bearlng con- :necting said member and rod.

26. In a miningmachine, the combination with a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the machine, of mechanism for actuating the same-comprising a motor shaft, a transmission shaft, a plurality of transmissionelements for operatively connecting said shafts, alternatively operative clutches for connecting said elements respectively with one of said shafts, a countershaft operatively connected to said feed operating member, aplurality of transmission elements for operatively connecting said transmlssion shaft and -countershaft, a

plurality of clutch devices for connecting said last named elements respectively with one of said last named shafts, and means for rendering said last named clutch devices alternatively operative.

27. The :com ination witha truckhaving propelling means, of a mining machine carried by said truck and adaptedto out upon the mine bottom, said mining machine 'hav-' ing means for operating said propelling means and including a member rotating on a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of said machine and housedjwithin the outline of said machine. but engageable by said propelling means when said machine is loaded on said truck.

28. The combination with a propelling means, of a mining machine carried by said truck and adapted to out upon the mine bottom, said mining machine havtruck having ill! ing a motor including a shaft, a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and means driven by said shaft for actuating said member including an element rotatable on a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of the machine and engageable with the'propelling means on said truck when said machine is loaded thereon for actuating said propelling means. I y

29. The combinationwith a truck having propelling means, of a mining machine carried by said truck and having cutting mechanism, said mining machine having a casing adapted to slide upon the mine bottom, a.

feed operating member thereon adapted to cooperate directly with flexible. feeding means, and means for actuating said feed operating member peculiar. thereto as regards cutting mechanism actuation includ ing an element within said casing but engageable therein by said propelling means when said machine is loaded on said truck for actuating said propelling means.

30. The combination with a truck having propellingmeans, of a mining machine car ried by said truck and adapted to slide upon the mine bottom, said miningmachine having a motor including a shaft, a feedoperatin member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and means driven by said shaft for actuating said member including an element having a permanent connection with said feed operating member and rotating on a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of the machine and engageable by said propelling means to act-uate the same when said machine is loaded on said truck.

31. The combination with a truck having propelling means comprising a plurality of cooperating elements, of a .mining machine carried by said truck and adapted to slide upon the mine bottom, sa d mlnmg machine having a motor-including a shaft, cutting mechanism, a feedoperat-ing member adapted tocooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and means driven by said shaft for actuating said member peculiar thereto as regards cutting mechanism actuation, and cooperating clutch members on one of the elements of said feed actuating means and one of the elements of. said truck propelling means and automatically.operably engageable by machine movementwhen said'machine is loaded on said truck; i

82. lhe combination with a truck having propelling means comprising a plurality of cooperating elements, of a mining machine.

carried by said truck and adapted to' slide upon the mine bottom, said mining machine having a motor including a shaft, cutting mechanism, a feed operatingmember adapted to cooperate directly. with flexible feeding means, and means driven by said shaftfor actuating said member peculiar thereto as regards cutting mechanism actuation and including an element having permanent connection with said feed operating member, and cooperating clutch members on one of the elements of said feed actuating means and one of the elements of said truck propelling means and automatically operably engageable by machine movement when said machine is loadedon said truck.

The combination with a truck havinga propelling shaft and means for actuating said shaft, of a mining machine carried by said truck and adapted to slide upon the mine bottom, said mining machine having amotor including a shaft, cutting mechanism, a'feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and means driven by said motor for actuating said member and as regards cut-' on a horizontal longitudinally extending axis on one of the elements of said feed actuating'means and on said propelling shaft actuating means respectively, said clutch men' bers being engageable when said machine is loaded on said truck.

35. The combination with a truck having propelling means, of a mining machine carried-by said truck adapted to slide uponthe mine bottom, said mining machine having a feed operating member adapted toco o'pcrate directly with flexible feeding means and means for actuating the same, a member for actuating said propelling means, a member engageable with one of the elements of said feed actuating means when said machine is loaded on said truck, and a universal joint connecting said last named mem-' bers.

36. In a mining machine, feeding means operating member rotatable at a cutting speed uponva horizontal axis disposed longitudinally of saidmachine, rotatable'guide members at opposite sides of the rear end of said machine adapted to cooperate with said flexible feeding member, and a station ary guide member for said'flexible feeding member, said last mentionedguide member being rotatable upon an inclined axis lying including a flexible feeding member, afeed.

ina plane to which the axis of said rotatable feed operating member is perpendicular.

87. In a mining machine, feeding means including a flexible feeding member, a feed operating member rotatable at a cutting speed upon a horizontal axis disposed longitudinally of said machine, rotatable guide members at opposite sides of the rear end of said machine adapted to cooperate with said flexible feeding member, and a stationary guide member for said flexible feeding member, said last mentioned guide member being nearer said feed operating member than said previously mentioned guide members and being rotatable upon an inclined axis lying in a plane to Whichthe axis of said rotatable .feed operalting member is perpendicular. V

38. In a-mining machine, cutting mechanism at one end thereof, and feeding means at the opposite end thereof including a flexible feeding member and guide members cooperating therewith and at said end, one of said guide members being movable bodily on said machine to permit engagement there of by said flexible feeding member at either side thereof. a

39. In a mining machine, a machine frame, cutting mechanism at one end thereof, and feeding means including a flexible feeding member, a feed operating member rotatable upon a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of the machine at the end of the frame remote from the cutting mechanism, a guide member cooperating directly therewith and rotatable upon an axis lying in a plane to which the axis of said feed operating member is perpendicular, a swinging arm by which said guide member is carried, and a stop for limiting the movement of said arm.

40. In a mining machine, the combination with a casing having a recess, of feeding means including a flexible feeding member and a rotatable guide member therefor housed in said recess and movable into an. operative position outside the same.

41. In a mining machine, the combination "with a casing having a recess, of feeding means including a flexible feeding member and a guide member cooperating therewith, said guide member being adjustable into or out of said recess. a I

42. In a mining machine, feeding means comprising a flexible feeding member, a feed operating member cooperating with said flexible feeding member and disposed with its vaxis horizontal and parallel to the major dimension of the machine, and a plurality of rotary guide members for said flexible feeding member also disposed with their axes horizontal and arranged respectively above and at opposite sides of said feed operating member. r

43. In a miningmachine, feeding means comprising a flexible feeding member, a feed operating member cooperating with said flexible feeding member and disposed with its axis horizontal, a plurality of guide mem- I bers for said flexible feeding member also disposed with their axes horizontal and arranged above and at opposite sides respectively of said feed operating member and a plurality of rotary guide members dlsposed with their axes vertical and arranged respectively below said first named guide members.

44. In a mining machine, the combination with a frame having a horizontally extending support, of feeding mechanism including a flexible feeding member, a swinging guide member therefor beneath said support, and a vertically disposed pivot for said guide member depending from said support and carried solely thereby.

45. In a mining machine, feedin means includinga flexible feeding member and, feedoperating and guide elements having surfaces engaged by said flexible feeding member, one of said elements being movable into operative guiding positions at opposite sides ofa plane passing through theaforesaid surfaces on the other of said elements while remaining connected to the machine.

&6. In a mining machine, feeding means including a flexible feeding member, feed operating and guide members rotatably mounted on substantially horizontal axes, said members having surfaces engaged by said flexible feeding member and lying substantially in a common vertical plane, and a guide member rotatably mounted on a vertical axis movable into different operative guiding positions at either side of said plane.

47. In amining machine, the combination with a casing having a recess, of feeding means including a flexible feeding member, feed operating and guide members mounted on said casing to rotate about substantially parallel horizontal axes, said members hav ing surfaces engaged by said flexible feeding member and'lying substantially in a common vertical transverse plane, and a guide member housed in said recess and lying adjacent said plane.

48(111 a mining machine, the combination with a casing having a recess, of feeding means including a; flexible feeding'memben. feed operating and guide membersmounted on the rear end of said casing to rotate about substantially horizontal axes, said members having surfaces engaged by said flexible feeding member and lying substantially in a common vertical plane, and a guidemember mounted in said recess to rotate about i a substantially.vertical axis and lying adjacent said plane.

feed operating and guide members mounted on said casing to rotate about substantiallylaterally movable mining machine slidablc" on a mine bottom and having cutting mechanism PI'OJGCtlIlg' from one end of its body, of a feed operating member adaptedto cooperate directly with flexible'feeding meansand rotatable on an axis 'disposed longitudi nally of the machine body at the opposite end thereof from said cutting mechanism, and driving mechanism for said 'member comprising transmission elements all of which rotate on axes parallel to a line parallel to the axis of said feed operating memher and which eflect drive of said feed operating member at a cutting speed.

51. The combination with a flexibly fed laterally-movable mining machine slidable on a mine bottom and having cutting mechanism projecting from one end of its body, of a feed operating member adapted to co operatedirectly with flexible feeding means and rotatable on an'axis disposed longitudinally of the machine body at the opposite end thereof from said cutting mechanism,

and driving mechanism for said member comprising transmission elements all of which rotate on axes parallel tov a'line paral lel to the axis of said feed operating member and which eflect drive of said feed operating member at a cutting speed, a plurality of said transmission elements being coaxial with said feed operating member. I

52. The combination with a flexibly fed laterally -movable mining machine slidable on a mine bottom and having cuttingmechanism projecting from one end of its body, of a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly With-flexible feeding means and rotatable on an axis disposed longitudinally of the machine body at the opposite end thereof from saidcutting mechanism, and driving mechanism for said member comprising transmission elements all of which rotate on axes parallel to a line parallel to the axis of said feed operating member and which effect drive of said feed oper-v atingmeinber at a cutting speed, said trans mission elements including a longitudinally extending shaft disposed coaxially with said member.

53. The combination with a flexibly fed laterally movable mining machine slidable on a mine bottom and having cutting mechanism projecting from one end of its body, of

a feed operating member adapted to cooper ate directly with flexible feeding means and rotatable on an axis disposed longitudinally of the machine body at the opposite end thereof from said cutting mechanism, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member at a cutting speed including a plurality of cooperatingtransmission elements all of which are rotatable about longitudinally extending axes lying in a single vertical plane. 3

54. The combination with a flexibly fed 7 laterally movable mining machine slidable on a mine bottom having cutting mechanism projecting from one end of its body, of a feed operating member adapted to coope'rate directly with flexible feeding means and rotatable on an'axis disposed longitudinally of the machine body at the opposite end thereof from said cutting mechanism, and

driving mechanism including a plurality of cooperating transmission elements rotatable about a plurality of parallel longitudinally extending shafts whose several axes liein a single plane and which together support all of said transmission elements. I .50. The combination with a flexibly fed laterally movable mining machine slidable i on a mine bottom and havingcutting mechas nis n proyectlng fromone end of itsbody,

operatedirectly with flexible feeding means and rotatable on an axis disposed longitudi; nally of the machine body at. the opposite end thereof from said cutting mechanism, and driving mechanism for said member including a plurality of friction devices eachdisposed on a longitudinal axis.

The combination with a flexibly fed laterally movable-mining machine slidable on a mine bottom and having cutting mechaof a: feed operating. member adapted to conism projecting from one end of its body,-

of a feed operating member rotatable on an axis disposedlongitudinally of themachine" body atthe opposite end thereof. from said cutting mechanismand adapted to cooperate with a flexible feeding member lnnioving said machine bodily during cutting in the direction of cutting, and driving mechalllSllifOl" said member including a longitudinal shaft and a plurality of friction devices thereon.

57. The combination with a flexibly fed-' laterally movable mining machine slidable on a mine bottom and having cutting mechanism projecting from one end of its body, of a feed operating member rotatable "on an 7 axis disposed longitudinally of the. machine body atthe opposite end thereof from saidcutting mechanismand adapted to'cooperate with a flexible fcedingmember in. mov-- ing said machine bodily during cutting in the dlrectlon ofcuttlng, and fast and slow speed driving connectionsfor said member.

including a plurality of friction devices each disposed on a longitudinal axis and controlling a different feed.

58. The combination with a flexibly fed laterally movable mining machine slidable on a mine bottom and having cutting mecha nism projecting from one end of its body, of a feed operating member rotatable on an axis disposed longitudinally of the machine body at the opposite end thereof from said cutting mechanism and adapted to cooperate with a flexible feeding member in moving said machine bodily during cutting in the direction of cutting, fast and slow speed drivingconnections for said member including a longitudinal shaft and fast andslow speed friction devices thereon, and reduction mechanism between said shaft and feed operating member including a member rotatable on an axis parallel to the axis of the latter.

59. The combination with a flexibly fed laterally movable mining machine slidable on a mine bottom and having cutting mechanism projecting from one end of'its body,

- of a feed operating member rotatable on an axis disposed longitudinally of the machine body at the opposite end thereof from said cutting mechanism and adapted to cooper ate with a flexible feeding member in moving said machine bodily during cutting in the direction of cutting, fast and slow speed driving connections for said member including a longitudinal shaft and fast and slow speed friction devices thereon, and reduction mechanism between said shaft and feed operating member including a pinion rotatable on an axis parallel to the axis of the latter and a larger meshing gear rotatablewith the latter.

60. The combination with a flexibly fed laterally movable mining machine slidable on a mine bottom and having cutting mechanism projecting from one end of its body, of a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and rotatable on an axis disposed longitudinally of the machine body at the opposite end thereof from saidcutting mechanism, and driving connections for said memberineluding a motor having a shaft, a longitu dinal transmission shaft operatively connected to said member, an internal gear rotatable with said shaft, and a pinion d r1v1ng sald 1nternal gear and driven by said motor shaft, Q

61. The combinationv with a flexibly fed laterally movable mining machine slidable on a mine bottom and having cutting mechanism projecting from one end of its body, of a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and rotatable on an axis disposed longitudinally of the machine body at the opposite end thereof from said cutting mechanism, and driving connections for said member including a motor havinga. shaft, a longitudinally of the machine body at the opposite end thereof fromsaid cutting mechanism, and drlving connections for said member 111- cluding an internal gear, a motor driven driving pinion therefor, and a plurality of trains of transmission mechanism,between said internal gear and feed operating mem ber. V a i 63. The con'ibinat-ionwitli a flexibly fed laterally movable mining machine slidable; on. a mine bottom and having cutting mecha-, nism projecting from one end of its body, of a feed operating member rotatable on an axis disposedlongitudinally of the machine body atthe opposite end thereof from said cutting mechanism and adapted to cooperate with a flexible feeding member in moving said ma: chine bodily during cutting in the direction of cutting, and driving connections for. said member including a motor driven pinion, a larger gear meshing therewith and disposed on a parallel axis,and a plurality of trains of transmission mechanism between said-V larger gear and feed operating member. g

64. The combination witha flexibly fed laterally movable mining machine slidable ona minebottom and having cutting mechanism projecting from one end of its body, of a feed operating member rotatable on an axis disposed longitudinally of the machine body at the opposite end thereof from saidcutting mechanism and adapted to cooperate with a flexible feeding member in moving said machine bodily during cutting in the direction of cutting, and driving connections:

for said member including an internal gear, a motor driven drivlng pinion therefor, and variable speed transmission mechanism between said internal gear and feed operating member. g a j r 65. The combination with a flexibly fed laterally movable mining machine slidable on a mine bottom and having cutting mechanism projecting. from one end of its body,

of a feed operating member rotatable on an axis disposed longitudinally of the machine body at the oppositeend thereof from said cutting mechanism and adapted to cooperate with a flexible feeding member in moving said machine bodily during cutting in the direction of cutting, and driving connectionsfor said member including a motor driven pinion, a largerigear meshing therewith and disposed on a parallel axis, and variable speed transmission mechanism between said larger gear and feed operating member.

G6. The combination with a flexibly fed laterally movable mining machine slidable on a mine bottom and having cutting mechanism projecting from one end of its body, of a feed operating member rotatable on'an axis disposed longitudinally of the machine body at the opposite end thereof fromsaid cutting mechanism and adapted to cooperate with a flexible feeding member in moving said machine bodily during cutting in the direction of cutting, and driving connections for said.

member including a motor driven member rotatable on a longitudinalaxis, a larger mesh.- ingmcmber rotatable on a parallel axls, and

variable speed transmission mechanism between said larger member and said feed operating member;

67.-The combination with a flexibly fed laterally movable mining machine slidable 1 on a mine bottom and having cutting mechanism projecting from'one end of its body, of a feed operating member adapted'to cooperate directly withrflexible feeding means and rotatable on an axis disposed longitudinally of the machine body at the opposite end thereof from said cutting mechanism, and driving connections for said member including-a motor driven element rotatable on a longitudinal axis, a cooperating second element of different size rotatable on a parallel axis, and variable speed transmission mechanism between, said element and said feed operating member. v i v 68. The combination with a flexibly fed laterally movable mining machine slidable on a mine bottom and having cutting mechanismprojecting from one end of its body, of a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly. With-flexible feeding means and rotatable on an axis'disposed longitudinally of the machine body at the opposite end thereof from said cutting mechanism, and driving connections for said member including a motor driven element rotatable on a longitudinal axis, a cooperating second elementof different size rotatable on a parallel axis, and variable speed transmission mechanism between said second mentioned element and said feedoperating member having certain commonspeed reduction .con-

nections thereto for each speed.

69. The combinationwith a flexibly fed laterally movable mining machine slidable on a mine bottom and having cutting mechanism projecting from one endof its'body, of a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexiblefeeding means and rotatable on an axis disposed longitudir nally of the machine body at the opposite end thereof from said cutting mechanism,

and driving connections for said "member including a motor driven element rotatable on a longitudinal axis, acooperating second element of different size rotatable on a parallel axis, and variable speed transmission gearing between said second mentioned element and said, feed operating memberhaving friction mechanism included therein.

70. The combination with a flexibly fed laterally movable mining machine slidable on a mine bottom and having cuttin mechanism projecting from one end of its body, of a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with fiexible feeding means and rotatable on an axis disposed'longitudinally of the machine body at the opposite end thereof from said cutting mechanism, and driving connectionsfor said member including a motor driven elementrotatable on a longitudinal axis, a cooperating second element ofditferent size rotatable on a'parallel axis, and variable speed transmission gearing between said second mentioned element and said feed operating member each having a different friction device included therein. v i

71. The combination with a flexibly fed laterally movable mining machine slidable on a mine bottom and'having cutting mech-' anism projecting from one end of its body, of afeed operating member adapted to co operate directly with'flexible feeding means and rotatable on an axis disposed longitudinally of the machine body at the opposite end thereof from said cutting mechanism, and driving connections for said member including a plurality vof sets of reduction mechanism each including different sized elements rotatable on. parallel longitudinal axes and variable speed transmission mechanism between said sets of elements;

72. The combination with a mining machine slidable laterally on a mine bottom and having flexible feeding means including a.

flexible feeding member, of cutting mechanism projecting from one end thereof, feed operating mechanism including-a feed operthe opposite end thereoffrom said cutting mechanism, and a guide member disposed on an axis perpendicular'to a line parallel to the axis of said feed operating member and with its pitch eircletangent' to a line tangent to the pitch circle of said feed. operating member. 1 I

73. The combination with a mining Ina-c chine slidable laterally on a mine bottom and having flexible feeding means includin a flexible feeding member, of cutting mec anism projecting from oneend thereof, feed operating mechanism including a, feed operating member rotatable .on an axis extending longitudinally of the machine body at the opposite end thereof from said cutting mechanism, and a plurality of guide members disposed at each side of said feed operating member and so disposed relative to the latter that their pitch circles are tangent to lines tangent to the pitch circle of said feed operating member. i

74. The combination with a mining machine slidable laterally on a mine bottom and having flexible feeding mechanism including a flexible feeding member, of kerf cutting mechanism projecting from one end thereof, feed operating mechanism including a feed operating member rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the machine body at the opposite end thereof from said cuttinw mechanism, and a guide member disposed on an axis perpendicular to the axis of said feed operating member, said members being so disposed that a horizontal line disposed between the planes which include the surfaces at the top and bottom of the kerf cut by the machine may be tan gent to the pitch circles'of each of said members.

75. The combination with a 1nining;ma-

' chine slidable laterally on a mine bottom and operating member rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the machine body at the opposite end thereof from said cutting mechanism, and a plurality of guide members disposed on opposite sides of said. feed operating member onaxes perpendicular to lines parallel to a line parallel to theaxis of the said feed operating member, said feed operating and guiding members being so disposed as to permit said flexible member to remain on said feed operating member and a guiding member when passed directly from said feed operating member to either of the guide members, while permitting said flexible member to act in a. plane adjacent the mine bottom. v

76. The combination witha mining machine slidable laterally on amine bottom and having'flexible feeding'meehanism including a flexible feeding member, of cutting mechanism projecting from one end thereof, feed operating mechanism including a feed operating member rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the machine body at theopposite end thereof from said cutting mechanism, a guide member disposed on an axis perpendicular to a line parallel to a line parallel to the axis of said feed operating member, said members being so disposed as to permit said flexible member to remain on said members when passed directly from one to the other while permit feed operating mechanism including a feed operating member rotatable on any axis extending longitudinally of the machine body at theoppositc end thereof from said cut ting mechanism, a pluralityof guide members disposed on opposite sides of said feed operatingmember on axes perpendicular to .lines parallel to a line parallel to the axis of said feed operating member, said feed operating and guiding members being so disposed as to permit said flexible member to remain on said feed operating and aguiding member when passed directly from saidfeed operating member to either of said guide members, while permitting said flexible member to act in a plane adjacent the mine bottom, and a supplemental guiding means for directing said flexible member longitudinally of the machine adjacent the machine center line. i r

The combination with a flexibly fed mining machine slidable laterally on a mine bottonrand having cutting mechanism projecting fromone end thereof, offeed operatin mechanism including a feed operating menilaer adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of the machine body at the opposite end thereof from said cutting mechanism, and truck driving mechanism thereon including a truck driving member driven by a moving part rotatable with one of said mechanisms. r 79. The combination with a mining machine slidable on amine bottom, cutting mechanism including a cutter bar disposed longitudinally of the machine body, and flexible feeding mechanism including flexible feeding portions extendingin op-poste direc tions from opposite ends of the machine body and operative to draw'in oneportion while the other is lengthened including a feed operating member rotatable on an axis disposed longitudinally of said body and at :the oppositeend thereof from the cutting portion of said bar and operative on rotation to draw in theportion"extending from the front end ofthe machine. a 1

80. The combinationwith a mining machine slidable on a mine bottom, cutting mechanism including acutter bar disposed longitudinally of the machine body. and

flexible feeding mechanism for feeding said bar into and laterally in either direction along a face including flexible feeding port ions extending in opposite directions from opposite ends of the machine bodyand operative to draw in one portion while the other is lengthened including a feed operating member rotatable on an axis disposed longitudinally of said body and at. the opposite end thereof from the cutting portion of said bar and operative on rotation to draw in the portion extending from the front end of the machine. 1 i

81. The combination with a mining machine slidable on a mine bottom and having cutting mechanism including a cutter bar pivoted at one end of the machine body and adjustable into longitudinal or lateral positions, of flexible feeding mechanism for feeding said bar into a face and laterally along the same when said bar is eitherlongitudinally or laterally disposed including a feedopei'ating member rotatable on air axis dlsposed on an axis extending longr tudinally of said body and at the opposite end thereof from the cutter bar pivot.

82. The combination with a mining machine slidable on a mine bottom and having cutting mechanism including a cutter bar pivoted at one end of the machine body and adjust-able into longitudinal or lateral positions, of flexible feeding mechanism for feeding said bar into aface andv laterally along the same in either directionwhen said bar is either longitudinally or laterally disposed includinga feed operating member disposed. on an axis extending longitudinally ofsaid body andat the opposite i end thereof from the cutter bar pivot and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding meansl 83. The combination with a mining machine slidable on a mine bottom and having a cutter bar projecting from one end thereof, of flexible feeding mechanism for feeding said machine into and-laterally along a coal face including a feed operating member 'adaptedto cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and disposed at the opposite end ofsaid machine from said bar, and driving mechanism therefor including a motor driven pinion rotatable on a longitudinal axis, a meshing internal gear rotatable on a longitudinal axis, and variable speed mechanism between said internal gear and said feed operating member.

8st. The combination With a n'iining machine having a projecting cutting bar and a feed operating member at the other end of said machine from said bar andadapted to cooperate directly with a'flexiblefeeding member and rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of said machine, of a guiding member rotatable on a relatively perpendicular. axis disposed at one side of a vertical longitudinal plane extending through the axis of said feed operating member'and adapted to receive a flexible feeding member passing directly from said feed operating member, I I a y g r S5. The combination with amining machine having a projecting cutting'bar and a'feed operating member at the, other end of feed operating member at the other end of saidmachine from said barand adapted to cooperate directly with a flexible feeding member and rotatable on an axis extending iongitiulinally of said machine, of a guiding member rotatable on a relatively perpendi nlar axis at one side of a vertical longitudiiilane extending through the axisof said fittd operating member and adapted to re ccivc a flexible feeding member passing directly from said feed operating member,

said guide member'being so disposed that a plane perpendicular to the guiding surface ofsaid-member is substantially tangential to saidfeed operating member. 7

8. The combination With a mining machine having a projecting cutting bar and a feedfloperating member at the other end of said in: chine from; said bar and adapted to cooperate directly with a flexible feeding member and rotatable on an axisextending longitudinally of said machine, of a guiding member rotatable on vertical axis at one side of a vertical longitudinal plane ex tending through the axis of said feed operating member and adaptedto receive a flex ible feeding member passing directly from the under side of said feed operatingmenn her, said guide member being so disposed that a plane perpendicular to the guiding surface'of said member is substantially tangential to said feed operating member.

. 88. In a longwall mining machine having pivoted cutter bar, the combination with a Jf ieed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with a flexible feeding member and rotatable upon an axis parallelto the path of movement of the machine during longwall cutting. of actuating means therefor including a motor atransmission shaft parallelto the axis of said feed operating member, variable speed transmission mechanism between said shaft and motor, and variable transmission mechanism betweensaid shaft and said member. I 1 p 89. In a longwall mining machine having a. pivoted cutter bar, the combination with a V feed operating member adapted .to cooperate directly with a flexible feeding member and rotatable upon an axis lying in a vertical plane parallel to the path of movement of the machine during longwall cutting, of actuating means therefor including a motor, a transmission shaft parallel to said plane, va riable speed transmission mechanism between said shaft and motor, and variable speed transmission mechanism between said shaft and said member.

90. In a longwall mining machine having a pivoted cutter bar, the combination with a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with a flexible feeding member and rotatable upon an axis parallel to the path of movement of the machine during longwall cutting, of actuating means therefor including a motor, and variable speed transmission mechanism between said motor and member including a transmission shaft parallel to the axisof said feed operating member.

91. In a longwall mining machine having a pivoted cutter bar, the combination with a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with a flexible feeding member and rotatable upon an axis lying in a vertical plane parallel to the path ofmovement of the machine during longwall cutting, of ac tuating means therefor including a motor, and variable speed transmission mechanism between said motor and member including a transmission shaft parallel to said plane and rotating on a horizontal axis.

92. In a mining machine, the combination with a machine frame carrying cutting mechanism at one end thereof, of feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to'cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and rotatable upon an axis disposed longitudinallyof the machine and located at the opposite end of said frame from said cutting mechanism, and actuating mechanism for said feed operating member including a transmission shaft disposed coaxially therewith and rotatable with respect thereto but constituting a driving member therefor, means for driving said member from said shaft, and means for driving said shaftat a plurality of predetermined speeds.

93. In a mining machine, the Combination with a frame carrying cutting mechanism at one end thereof, of feeding mechanism in cluding a feedoperating member. adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and rotatableupon a longitudinally extending axis at the opposite end of said frame, and actuating mechanism for said member comprising a transmission shaft coaxial with said feed operating member and means for effecting rotation of said feed opcrating member at different speeds including plural speed reduction gearing all of whose elements rotate on axes parallel. to a line parallel to the axis of said shaft. 94. Ina mining machine, the combination with a frame supporting at one end thereof cutting mechanism, of feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and rotatable upon an axis extending longitudinally of the machine at the opposite end of said machine frame from said cutting mechanism, and actuating means therefor including a shaft coaxial with said feed operating member and aplurality of gears coaxial therewith and driven at different speeds, and means for frictionally connecting said gears selectively thereto.

95. In a mining machine, the combination with a frame carrying cutting mechanism at one end thereof, of feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of themach-ine and at the opposite end of said frame from said cutting mechanism, and actuating means for said feed operating member effective to cause rotation thereof at different speeds including a shaft coaxial with said feed operating member, a plurality of gears rotatable coaxially with said shaft and selectively connectible thereto, a plurality of gears rotatingv coaxially with each other upon axes parallel to the axis of said shaft, alndfa plurality of clutches coaxial with said s 1a t. a

96. In a mining machine, the combination the same longitudinally extending vertical plane as the axis of the motor shaft, variable speed gearing connecting said shafts, and speed reducing mechanism connecting, said transmission shaft and member. 7

97 In a mining machine, the combination with a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and rotatable on an axis "disposed longitudinally of the machine, of mechanism for actuating the same comprising a longitudinally extending motor shaft, a transmission shaft operatively connected to said member and disposed with its axis in the same longitudinally extending vertical plane as the axis of said motor shaft, reversing gearing connecting said shafts, "and speed reducing mechanism connecting said transmission shaft and member. i

98. In a mining machine, the combination with a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and rotatable on an axis disposed longitudinally of the machine, of mecha- 

